Media tablet dock integration with room audio system

Abstract

Use cases for portable electronic media devices as connected to other media systems, such as room-scale audiovisual systems. In some aspects, a hard shell case is adapted for securing a portable media device to a wall mount, or a stand, or providing access through wireless networking. In other aspects, use cases integrate these devices with other systems.

1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a docking device having a mating boss that mechanically supports a portable device skin, the skin being a protective cover for a portable device, the portable device having a touch screen, and the skin also providing a power connection to the portable device; and   the mating boss further allowing for rotatable mechanical support of the skin with respect to the docking device, while also providing a power connection to the skin electromagnetically, such that when the skin and boss are rotated with respect to one another, electrical continuity is maintained between the dock and the skin.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  additionally wherein the portable device provides an audio output signal via a wireless connection. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the wireless connection is a Bluetooth connection. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the dock further includes a wireless audio receiver for receiving the audio signal from the portable device. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the portable device has a display for displaying information including at least one of a photo, video, document, or user interface touch screen input prompt. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the portable device has a display for displaying at least one user interface touch screen input prompt, and further provides at least one control signal to or from the skin, and the skin further provides the control signal to or from an other device. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the other device is part of or includes an audio, video, television, digital photo, lighting, room automation, climate control, network, data processing, or communication system. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the at least one control signal comprises data and/or metadata associated with the control signals. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the at least one control signal comprises user initiated control inputs on the portable device and response feedback displayed on the portable device. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the portable device further includes a position sensor, and the portable device changes an orientation of information on the display in response to rotation of the skin about the boss. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  additionally wherein the skin provides an audio connection to the dock, and the dock further provides the audio connection to an audio system. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein an audio signal amplifier is located within the dock. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the dock is adapted to engage a wall box. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the dock is adapted to engage an automobile dash mount. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the dock is adapted to engage a support stand.